County Commission addresses raceway, jail staffing issues

Dirt blamed for this year's racing problems

Dirt blamed for this year's racing problems

August 06, 2008|By Emily Arthur-Richardt, earthur@aberdeennews.com

The man in charge of races at the Brown County Speedway said the dirt on the track caused recent racing problems and late starts. Al Malsam, promoter for the Brown County Speedway, told the Brown County Commission Tuesday that the dirt, which he put on the track at the beginning of the racing season, won't accept water. Races at the Brown County Speedway have started anywhere from a few minutes late to a few hours late this summer. Malsam said it's because he and his crew have had to take extra time trying to add water and pack the track. "If I hadn't put the dirt on that I did, it probably would be just fine," he said. "...I knew there was a problem all along, but I was trying to find a way to fix it." Brown County commissioners said they've received several phone calls and e-mails, complaining about the job being done at the track. Races have started late, and people are complaining that the restrooms and stands are dirty, Commissioner Tom Fischbach said. Some callers have even questioned Malsam's dedication, saying that he's not getting to the track early enough before the races are supposed to start, Commissioner Deb Knecht said. "I'm not here to accuse you of anything," Knecht told Malsam. "I'm just telling you what I'm hearing." Malsam called for the meeting with the county commission on Tuesday after hearing that the commission was talking about auctioning off the racing contract at the end of the season, he said. Malsam has a one-year contract to promote races. It pays the county $42,250 and has four, one-year options. Terry Voeltz was the longtime track promoter before this summer. "I wanted to come here and clear the air," Malsam said. "I really am doing everything I can." Commissioner Mike Wiese said commissioners haven't yet made up their minds about how to handle the racing contract next year but that they would like to see problems fixed out at the track. "There's been no decision made by any stretch of the imagination," Wiese said. "..The track's had a good reputation, and we're seeing that challenged this year." Several people supporting Malsam came to the meeting. Driver Shane Brick urged the commission to look at where the complaints are coming from. "There's a couple of guys out there who will complain about anything," Brick said. "Sometimes you need to look at the source." Malsam said he's spent hours at the track, trying to make sure it's ready for the weekly race; however, nothing has seemed to work. "If that thing would take water, the start times would be there," he said. Malsam said he plans to have a soil analysis done. If experts say that something can be mixed with the dirt to make it more accepting to water, he'll do it, he said. If nothing can be done, he said he'll be forced to remove the dirt from the track and replace it with better dirt. "The show runs good after it gets going," Malsam said. But the late starts have people concerned. "I take my grandson to the races all the time," said Marvin Bitz, who attended the meeting. "I just don't like to go there one day and go home the next." Reporter Emily Arthur-Richardt; (605) 622-2314 or 1-800-925-4100 ext. 314